Befriending Volunteer
Wimbledon Guild
Befriending Volunteers provide conversation to individuals who live alone and may otherwise go days without seeing another person.
What is Befriending? Befriending Volunteers provide conversation to individuals who live alone and may otherwise go days without seeing another person. Our volunteers stay in touch with regular visits and sometimes phone calls, making sure their clients feel connected and engaged. They build this connection by sharing moments by chatting, going for a walk, playing board games, listening to music, watching YouTube videos, drawing, knitting, or working on puzzles together. We carefully match our volunteers with clients who share similar interests to ensure a good fit. Our clients are residents of Merton who are either housebound, live alone, or have long-term health conditions. Each client is thoroughly assessed by our Befriending team through an initial phone call, a basic needs assessment, and a home visit.
Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring
Admin, Managing People, Negotiating, Organising & Planning
Qualities We Value • At ease in talking and actively listening to others. • Can provide a supportive, reliable, and non-judgemental relationship. • Makes everyone feel welcome, no matter their background. • Adapts easily to changes, different tasks, and asks for help when needed. • Understands how others feel, especially in tough situations.
What You Gain • Apply or develop your existing skills and experience. • Access over 150+ optional eLearning-certified training courses. • Invited to volunteer socials throughout the year. • Support a local charity in Merton. • Enhance your CV or UCAS application. How We Support You To make sure that you’re supported and confident in your role, you will be assigned a Wimbledon Guild staff member, who you can contact if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. At your induction, you will be given the information, training, and resources you need to carry out your volunteer role. Claiming Expenses We will reimburse you for reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses. All expenses must be agreed upon and signed off by the Befriending team. We will only reimburse you for the amount agreed and payment will be made by bank transfer.
One hour every week, fortnight, or month at a time that suits you and the client. You can choose to support a client for either six months, a year or on an ongoing basis.
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At the client's home, in a community location, or over a telephone call.
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50
